Tips: Packing for Europe in Winter

Check the weather & make a packing list

My husband and I had an upcoming trip to Norway for his work and then we decided to piggyback a trip to London after (which has always been high on my bucket list). So, I’ve got to pack for eight days in Europe during the Winter (January). I know it’s going to be cold and I want to be prepared. Ya girl does not like the cold! The first thing I typically do is research the place I’m traveling to to get a feel for the weather and the types of activities I might be doing. Then, I make a packing list. 

 

 

Keep shoes to a minimum

Shoes: This one is tricky, especially in the Winter! I knew it would be ice and snow in Norway, so I needed to bring my snow boots and my husband said “wow, those boots take up half of your suitcase”, to which I said, “yep, looks like I’ll need to use yours!”. Luckily, he is good at sharing and kindly let me use about 25% of his suitcase.

Next, a pair of dressy shoes. I chose boots (per usual). And one more pair, which is a pair of comfortable tennis shoes that I wear to the airport and when I know I’ll be doing a lot of walking. That’s it.

The first thing I do after making my list is to pack my shoes, preferably on only one side of the suitcase. I use shoe bags with tie strings to protect any grime from touching my clothing. I like these from Amazon.

 

 

Wear your coat

Coats: for this particular trip, since I knew space was limited, I decided to only bring one coat that I would wear to the airport, as to not have to fit it in my luggage.

 

Pack neutrals to mix & match

Clothing: I like to have options! So, I try to take neutrals that I can mix and match. And when I say “neutral”, I mean mostly black, white and gray. Pink is my favorite color, so typically sprinkle a little of that in as well. This way I can match different items and have plenty of options. 

 

 

Try to fit everything in a carry on

We decided to both take carry-ons, as opposed to luggage we’d have to check under the plane. A) because no one wants to deal with lost luggage and B) because I knew we’d likely be trekking through rough streets and who knows how far (I learned this tip on a previous trip to Italy, with lots of cobble stone streets).

 

Roll instead of fold your clothing

Then, all clothing items get rolled. I find that really is the best way to create more space for packing. When I arrive to my destination, I like to pull out anything that might wrinkle and hang it up. You might be one to unpack your suitcase into drawers, but if you like to dress out of your suitcase, keeping everything rolled up has always worked well.

 

 

Keep a travel toiletry bag

I rarely pack toiletries in my suitcase. I have a lot of skin and hair care, makeup etc. I pack all of this in a large toiletry bag that I actually keep packed with travel size products year round. This bag slides right into my personal bag, which I carry on the plane. This carry on bag is one of my smartest purchases I’ve made as a traveler. It has it all, including a luggage strap, a separate shoe compartment and sooo many pockets. Check out this LUG bag.

Basic Travel Checklist

That’s my packing guide for Europe in Winter. Hoping my own experience lends some helpful hints.